3D Printing Design & Modeling Software

Tap into your inner designer, inspire the world.

Below are some of the most popular software tools that our community of designers and makers use to create their products on Shapeways. You can find the whole range of programmatic, parametric, sculpting and modeling software. We feature both applications that are better suited for beginner 3D modelers, and those in use by professional or commercial designers.

Free 3D Design Software

TinkercadA fantastic beginner program, that leads you to learn complex things through simple quests. Runs right in your browser, and the skills you learn are easily transferable to more advanced programs. Integrated and prints directly to Shapeways!

3D TinAnother browser based program using WebGL, this is free as long as you share your designs under Creative Commons.

Online Service

SketchupDrawing-based tool for architects, designers, builders, makers and engineers who design for the physical world. SketchUp Make is a free version and SketchUp Pro is a paid version with additional functionality.

Windows, Mac

BlenderA powerful application with full-fledged professional tools, Blender has a wide community and resources to help you learn.

FreeCADAn open source parametric 3D modeler, great for both the home user, hobbyist and experienced designer. Parametric modeling allows for easy editing of your design.

Windows, Mac, Linux

Open SCADOpenSCAD is not an interactive 3D design tool. It is something like a programmatic 3D-compiler that reads a script file containing 3D geometry definitions, and in turn generates a solid 3D model as output.

Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD

SculptrisA free, introductory digital sculpting tool, a great stepping stone for digital sculptors, created by the makers of Zbrush.

eMachineShopEasy-to-use for designing mechanical parts - a machine shop at your fingertips! With its intuitive interface & helpful videos, anyone can leverage both the Shapeways and eMachineShop production facilities by using just one tool.